Nothing in college athletics should ever be surprising, particularly college football. The unpredictability each autumn Saturday brings is one of the sports' primary charms.

But, I have to say, seeing Vanderbilt at the top of the Southeastern Conference standings Sunday morning was surprising and thrilling at the same time.

To me their 3-0 SEC record is more impressive than their No. 13 national ranking.

Hats off once again to Bobby Johnson, his staff and players for coaching and playing the game so well. It's fun to see the Commodores lording over the likes of Florida, Georgia and Tennessee and one victory away from bowl eligibility.

For years, Vandy has been competitive in the month of September and have even pulled off a number of upsets. The Razorbacks felt the sting of one of those in 2005 when Jay Cutler sliced and diced the Arkansas secondary for a two-touchdown, fourth-quarter comeback victory.

But, in the past, by October the Commodores' lack of depth began to weigh them down, but last Saturday night against Auburn in Nashville, Vandy was full of fight and they knocked over the mighty Tigers, 14-13.

That pushed them to 5-0 on the season and 3-0 in SEC play. If Vandy can upend Mississippi State (1-4, 0-2) this Saturday at Starkville, Miss., the Commodores are the story of the first half of the season.

Things do get more difficult for Vandy. The 'Dores head to Georgia on Oct. 18, host Florida on Nov. 8, visit Kentucky on Nov. 15 and host Tennessee on Nov. 22.

Chances are the Commodores won't stay atop the standings all season, but only No. 2 Alabama is sitting as pretty as Vandy at this point.

That type of parity is good for SEC and good for all of college football.

Terry J. Wood is the sports editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times.